A computer is an electronic device that can accept data as input, manipulate that data, and produce information as output. It operates under the control of instructions stored in its memory. There are two basic parts of a computer: hardware, which are the physical components like input devices, output devices, and processing units; and software, which are the instructions that control the hardware and allow it to perform tasks. Common hardware includes keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers, while system software manages core computer operations and application software allows users to complete specific tasks.